Client focus
My name is MeLisa Floryance and I am a person with an invisible disability called Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) - caused by childhood violence that includes damage to areas of my brain that process memory and emotions.
As of March 2026, I am in my mid-50s. I have long experience with this complex mental illness - from incredible suffering to loving management by having been graced with the presence and skill set of two (2) Psychiatric Service Dogs from 2014 to 2025. I am now in the process of obtaining a successor PAALS Service Dog.
Why do I need a Service Dog? How exactly does one help me?
When a Service Dog is by my side I breathe, relax, have fun, sleep well, and live a fully engaged life!
Personally, I am in awe of the extensive training involved. A PAALS PTSD Service Dog learns a wide array of special cues that lower my blood pressure and stabilize my nervous system. Also, during nighttime disturbances, I easily reach out, feel my dog’s heartbeat, warm breath, and have my dog’s head rest on me - ahh! This minimizes nightmares so I relax, enter REM4 sleep, and wake up feeling well-rested. Double ahh!
I offer my deepest gratitude to PAALS for training what I lovingly call these “Service Dog Bugattis” and to all donors whose generosity makes a partnership between this disabled handler and her Service Dog possible. Your support leads to a worthwhile life alongside my dog - a life filled with hope, independence, and purpose.
Very truly yours - MeLisa Floryance